The Epoch Times ByÂ
Almost 50 percent of German citizens are not in a position to afford their current lifestyles, forcing them to make changes in household expenditures, a poll conducted by public broadcaster ARD has shown.
In the survey, which was conducted between May 30 and June 1 among 1,337 Germans, 47 percent indicated that they are implementing âvery severe/severe cutbacksâ on their spending. Among households with monthly net incomes exceeding 3,500 euros ($3,752), 29 percent are spending less. This number rose to 53 percent among households with incomes lower than 3,500 euros, and 77 percent among those with incomes lower than 1,500 euros ($1,608).
Region-wise, East Germany was more committed to cutting back on spending, with 59 percent holding such a view. In the West, the number was 44 percent.
